Rainy days with toddlers can feel long. The park is off the table, energy is high, and the day suddenly feels twice as long.
This guide is your rainy-day survival plan ☔️
Inside you’ll find 40+ indoor toddler activities that are simple, low-prep, and designed to keep little hands busy and little minds learning — without relying on screens.
Save this list now so you always have rainy day ideas ready.
Save This List for Later ⭐
This guide includes indoor toddler activities for:
• Sensory play
• Arts & crafts
• Learning & literacy
• Gross motor play
• Pretend play
• Quiet time activities
How to Use This Guide
Don’t try to do everything in one day.
Instead:
• Choose 2–3 activities per day
• Rotate toys and materials
• Set up “activity stations” around your home
• Save this list and revisit it often
If you love sensory play, start with this guide next:
👉 Ultimate Guide to Sensory Bin Fillers
Sensory Play Activities
Sensory play is the ultimate rainy-day activity because it holds attention longer than traditional toys.
• Rainbow rice pouring station
• Cloud dough bakery
• Water pouring station in the sink
• Pom-pom color sorting tray
• Ice cube sensory play
• Oats or cereal pouring station
• Play dough invitation to play
• Kinetic sand tray
For seasonal sensory ideas, see:
👉 Seasonal Sensory Play Themes
Art & Craft Activities
Rainy days are perfect for creative projects.
Tape resist painting
Watercolor painting
Pom-pom painting with clothespins
Paper tearing collage
Crayon rubbings
DIY stamps with sponges
For more activity ideas, see:
👉 All Activities & Crafts
Learning Activities
Play-based learning can easily happen at home.
• Letter scavenger hunt
• Counting snack pieces
• Jumping to letter sounds
• Sorting toys by color
• Shape hunt around the house
• Name tracing with crayons
• Simple puzzle time
• Read-aloud story time
For more early learning ideas:
👉 Phonics for Toddlers Guide
Gross Motor Indoor Activities
Toddlers still need to move — even indoors.
• Pillow obstacle course
• Dance party with music
• Hopscotch with painter’s tape
• Balloon volleyball
• Tunnel crawling
• Animal movement game
• Yoga for kids
• Indoor scavenger hunt
Pretend Play Activities
Imaginative play can keep toddlers busy for long stretches.
• Play kitchen restaurant (pizza shop, burger diner, ramen shop, ice cream shop)
• Grocery store pretend play
• Doll bath time station
• Toy doctor kit play
• Puppet show
• Dress-up fashion show
• Tea party setup
• Stuffed animal picnic
For playroom setup inspiration:
👉 Free Printable Kitchen Play Ice Cream Shop
Quiet Time Activities
Perfect for afternoon slow-down time.
• Puzzle time
• Reading corner time
• Magnetic tiles building
• Sticker books
• Audio stories
• Coloring books
• Memory games
• Sensory bottles
A Simple Rainy Day Routine
Here’s an easy rhythm to follow:
Morning
Active + messy play
• Sensory bin
• Gross motor activity
Midday
Creative play
• Art or craft
• Learning activity
Afternoon
Pretend play + independent play
• Play kitchen
• Toy rotation
Evening
Quiet wind-down
• Books
• Puzzles
• Coloring
Rainy Day Survival Tips for Parents
• Rotate toys weekly to keep interest fresh
• Prepare sensory bins ahead of time
• Create activity “zones” around the home
• Use a rolling cart for easy setup
• Keep a rainy-day activity basket ready
You may also love:
👉 How to Organize Sensory Play in 3 Easy Steps
Helpful Guides You’ll Love
Continue exploring:
• Sensory Bin Fillers Guide →
• Seasonal Sensory Play Themes →
• Organizing Sensory Play →
• Flisat Sensory Table Setup →
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